Sunday, September 19, 2010

The last speaker hosted by Scottish PSC was Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, in August. Shortly after his speaking tour, the Jewish Telegraph published a letter calling for the speaker to be ‘eliminated’, killed. The Jewish Telegraph is now the subject of several complaints to the Press Complaints Commission, on the grounds that publications in this country should not incite the murder of public figures, however acceptable that may be in Israel. (How long would the police have taken to make an arrest if a UK Muslim publication had called for the ‘elimination’ of a well-known journalist?)

This incitement to violence from a mainstream Zionist publication is increasingly common. Ben White, another journalist and the author of Israeli apartheid: a Beginner’s Guide, is speaking at a series of Scottish meetings starting tomorrow. Zionist websites already display Photoshop images of Ben in Nazi uniform, accusing him of anti-Semitism, living in “Londonistan”. He is said to watch “concentration camp news reels into the wee hours” for pleasure. Such vile language is incendiary.

Ben White, author of Israeli apartheid: a beginner's guideBen White will be speaking at venues across Scotland on a tour organised by local branches of Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Comments on his book:“This book deals rationally and cogently with a topic that almost always generates considerable heat even just with book titles. The reader may not agree with everything that White asserts but it is a highly commendable effort to throw light on a fraught subject.”Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

“A very strong and clear voice that does not shun from exposing in full, and in a most accessible manner, the essence of Zionism and Israeli policies in Palestine. In a world confused by competing narratives, disinformation and fabrication, this book is an excellent guide for understanding the magnitude of the crimes committed against the Palestinians and the nature of their present suffering and oppression.”Professor Ilan Pappe, University of Exeter, Israeli historian and author of ‘The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine’ (2007)

“This book provides one of the best introductions to the Israel/Palestine conflict. It reveals what mainstream media in the West seeks to conceal from the public: that Israel has an apartheid regime which has been obsessed with demographic racism and ethnic cleansing and for six decades. The book provides an indispensable context for understanding the origins and consequences of the conflict. It also makes by far the most compelling case for ‘peace with justice-not apartheid’.”Nur Masalha, Reader in Religion and Politics, St Mary’s University College (UK), and author of The Bible and Zionism (2007)

“Is Israel an apartheid state? The answer to this question has enormous implications for how states and international civil society should act towards a country that bills itself as the moral guardian of the memory and lessons of the Nazi Holocaust – that is why it is so heavily contested. But there is no doubt that Israel is constituted as a “Jewish state.” The problem is that half the population it controls – the indigenous Palestinians – is not Jewish. In this carefully-researched book, Ben White demonstrates that indeed Israel could have become and could not continue to be a “Jewish state” unless it used discriminatory tactics that resemble and often surpass those of apartheid South Africa. At a time when Israel appears to regard any action against Palestine’s indigenous people — no matter how violent and illegal — as justified, this book is essential reading for those who want to deepen their understanding beyond soundbites and spin”Ali Abunimah, Co-founder of Electronic Intifada, author of ‘One Country’ (2007)

“Ben White’s new book Israeli Apartheid: A Beginner’s Guide is a useful introduction to a vital debate. To understand the challenges of the current situation in the Middle East we must revisit the long and often painful journey that led from the creation of Israel to the forty-year long occupation of the Palestinians. This challenging new work unpicks some of the myths of that story and forces us all to look again at the reality of current Israeli policy towards the Palestinians.”Crispin Blunt, Conservative Member of Parliament for Reigate

“There are always those who say the conflict in Palestine is too complicated for anyone to dare engage with it, much less understand it. Yet here is the book which answers them, and it does so with a rare intelligence and fine line of argument. Drawn from a rich range of sources, Ben White’s ‘Israeli Apartheid: A Beginner’s Guide’ takes on the most complex arenas of injustice and contested history, and renders them accessible, lucid, and morally compelling. Never compromising on the facts, its narrative both enlightens and inspires. If you want to learn about Palestine, start here.”Karma Nabulsi, Oxford University academic

“An essential guide for understanding the reality of Israeli apartheid – both the history, and the day to day reality.”Eyal Weizman, Israeli architect and author of ‘Hollow Land: Israel’s Architecture of Occupation’ (2007)

“I am impressed by Ben White’s clear-minded journalism and analysis. I have quoted from an article of his in a speech to The House of Commons. I feel sure his book will be of value in understanding the attitudes behind the Middle East division.”Harry Cohen, Labour Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead

“White’s book helps us see much more clearly both what is happening in Israel/Palestine but also what we must do about it. If you really care about peace in the Middle East, read this book. Then commit yourself to supporting non-violent proactive ways to bring justice with peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.”Rev. Stephen Sizer, author of ‘Zion’s Christian Soldiers’ (2007)

Keep up to date with Scottish PSC on Twitter: @scottishpsc Scottish PSC Factsheets available for download from: www.scottishpsc.org.uk

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